Electronic Course Evaluations

The University utilizes a web-based student end-of-course evaluation system, which is hosted by an off-site vendor known as EvaluationKIT. EvaluationKIT uses a secure server that ensures the security of all data. The electronic course evaluation system is easy, convenient, secure, and confidential. EvaluationKIT is integrated into the University's BlackBoard and Canvas course management systems, which provides easy access for both instructors and students.

Why did the University choose to move toward electronic evaluations ?

With electronic evaluations, instructors no longer need to set aside class time to complete paper evaluations.

The electronic form is easy to complete and encourages more thoughtful responses from students, especially in the comments section, since students complete the evaluations on their own time instead of during the last few minutes of class.

When using electronic evaluations, instructors have access to their reports much sooner than with paper evaluations. The faster turnaround allows instructors to incorporate feedback into their teaching methods within a shorter period of time.

Students are able to complete all of their course evaluations in one place at one time.

The electronic process allows for better security of submitted evaluations. Paper packets no longer need to be handled by student proctors, carried across campus, and placed in drop boxes.

The electronic process allows for better accuracy of results. Although the paper evaluations contain explicit instructions on the proper way to complete the form, students frequently have not followed these directions.

The electronic process allows for the ability to customize the evaluation instrument. Additional questions can be added at the school/college, department, and instructor levels.

Electronic evaluations are more cost efficient. The electronic system utilizes fewer resources, including both physical (paper) and human (time spent processing paper forms).

Electronic evaluations support the University’s green initiative. They significantly reduce the amount of paper utilized in the course evaluation process.

Electronic evaluations allow for online courses to be evaluated using the University's evaluation instrument without the need for a scheduled meeting to administer paper forms.

Are there significant differences in the results from electronic vs. paper evaluations?

The Electronic Course Evaluation Committee has worked to identify strengths and weaknesses of the online process. Institutional Research and Testing has compared the results of the paper and pencil method to the online method to determine if there are any systematic differences. See below for more information.

Spring 2012 - Electronic course evaluations are first piloted using EvaluationKIT. Participants from the Fall 2011 pilot continue their involvement, and additional units now participating include Truett Seminary, the Law School, the School of Engineering & Computer Science, and the department of communication studies.

Fall 2011 - Electronic course evaluations are first piloted using existing online survey software. Pilot participants consist of all graduate teaching assistants, School of Social Work, and three instructors from the department of religion.

July 15, 2011 - The Electronic Course Evaluation Planning Committee meets for the first time. Dr. Erich Baker from the School of Engineering & Computer Science is appointed as faculty senate representative for the committee.

April 2011 - Provost Davis asks Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education Wes Null to form an Electronic Course Evaluation Planning Committee to implement the recommendations of the Faculty Senate Committee.

April 13, 2011 - The Faculty Senate Committee sends a recommendation to Provost Elizabeth Davis to switch the method of course evaluation administration from paper to electronic.

December 7, 2010 - The Baylor University Faculty Senate forms a Committee for Online Faculty Evaluation to explore the prospect of electronic course evaluations. Reasons given to explore the change are faculty morale and paper conservation.